M+ Architecture is a NOT a "young and vibrant" architectural firm but a solid, well established and passionate bespoke architectural firm based in Barbados with vast international experience.
We provide first class architectural services all around the world thanks to our excellent client care and outstanding liaise skills.
Specialized in high end residential, luxury hotels and retail, we manage a large array of projects: all with the same high quality standards.
So, what does an architect even do & why would you need one?
I am Marco, Italian from Milano, Architect by training, with a specialization in Interior & Industrial Design, yet most of my “real world” experience is in architecture.
Real world with the accent on "world": Milan, Rome, NYC, Bali, Perth and Barbados.
A gypsy architect, if you like.
You could say I’m a bit unconventional, and I’d argue, that this is my greatest strength, as my unique background ensures a distinctive approach, which is unlike anyone else designing tropical and contemporary buildings & environments in Barbados!
In 2012 I’ve dived into this M+ Architecture (M stands for Marco, btw) design adventure, and all these and previous years have taught me how to quickly shift & adapt to ever changing client needs.
I am personally involved in every aspect of the design process and I work very hard to ensure each part of every project exceeds all of my client expectations.
If it’s your first time engaging an architect, you’ll quickly learn that that construction projects have an immeasurable amount of moving parts. As such , no two projects are ever alike, but I can basically break down the expected services & deliverables into several stages. Some projects go through all of the stages below. Some projects will only take up a few… But rest assured I will identify the stages required from the outset & tailor my services to best suit your needs.
In a nutshell: YES, you need M+ Architecture!
We're good, very good, in what we do! Our testimonials say so...
"Mr. De Bortoli was selected for the
renovation of our house which included the establishment of a large patio and a
lap pool.
We were not only impressed by the quality and the creativity of the
design but also with the care and professionalism in the follow up of work
execution.
He paid attention to detail, worked tirelessly to manage the
relationship between us and the contractor and to ensure that we got what we
contracted for.
He was superbly responsive and was able to explain things so
that we laymen could understand especially as it related to construction jargon.
We believe he exceeded our expectations.
We have no reservations with recommending
Mr. De Bortoli to anyone who is looking for a reliable and creative architect".
Mario Porchetta & Keisha Hyde
"Being
used to the construction industry, we decided to self manage the construction
of our house and hired sub-contractors.
We retained the services of M+
Architecture for the designing stage or our plans.
Although we already had a
very good idea of what we wanted, Marco De Bortoli, the architect, through his
attentive listening and wide experience gave us sound advice and brought up
innovative and creative ideas.
Furthermore,
we were also able to benefit from its well established network of contacts made
up of other equally reliable and competent professionals.
We recommend M+ Architecture without any hesitation".
André Bengle & Lucie Thiboutot
"Working
with M + Architecture studio was easy but also a pleasure to deal with such
a trained architect who was always available and attentive to our needs.
We
were followed up on a fairly complex project that required not only an
aesthetic intervention but also a demanding technical - structural work on the
building.
For us, M + Architecture studio is now a reliable point of
reference in Barbados".
Fabio Massimo Bonini & Elisabetta Mantovan
1 - Meeting & Inception
Your project starts here! We meet, on line or in person, and we get to know each other first.
It is important we both feel at ease and comfortable with each other to work together at our best.
We will identify your project needs, desires and intentions.
If you’ve got a brief, awesome. If not, we’ll figure it out together.
We will then put together a fee proposal for you and we are ready to start!
2 - Schematic Design: "Concept"
Concept Design is what it sounds like… Based on your chosen site, we will begin by preparing preliminary design plans and sketches based on your requirements and budget to explore and illustrate possible options. We will review these options with you, pointing out the merits and responding to your input. These sketches could be as detailed as computer drawings go or as simple as hand drawn sketches. What ever we choose, these drawings will be an accurate representation based on all of our discussions to date, and it may also include reference images to help conveying our ideas.
The schematic/concept design stage culminates in me giving a presentation, which will be discussed and approved before we move onto the next stage.
3 - Design Development
Invariably there are always things that need to change… So based on your concept feedback, we make some time to ensure you’re 100% happy.
If we can, we will identify further cost projections that can determine how closely the design conforms to the budget expectations, & what, if any, adjustments are required.
4 - Authorities Application
In most circumstances, we will need to get approval from Town & Country Planning Office (or perhaps someone else) before we can turn my awesome drawings into a real life space for you to occupy. To get T&CPO approvals, we need to jump through some pre-determined hoops, as to further articulate our design intentions… Oh, and they’ll also slug us with some additional requirements to get the ball rolling, so look forward to getting these!
5 - Construction Documentation
The pointy end of the design process, & in my opinion the most important!
Are your working on a timeline &/ or a budget? Then you need good construction docs!
Do you want it built to the highest quality standards? You need good construction docs!
Do you want it built as per your expectations up until this point? You need good construction docs!
In a nutshell – you need good construction docs…
We may also choose to use other consultants: Structural Engineer, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) Engineer, QS (Quantity Surveyor), Land Surveyor, Project Manager....
We will, brief, guide & liaise with these consultants on your behalf, without additional charge. Why would we do this? we want the project to be as strong as possible as it benefits both you and us!
6 - Tender Stage
Construction docs are done, so now we have to ask around for prices to build our project.
7 - Site Services & Contract Administration
The design is done. You have your approvals. All our ducks are in a row!
But we still need to build the bloody thing… Well, I’m still here & I’m still working with you during the construction phase & regular site visits will determine if construction is proceeding in accordance with the builders contract, and that the design, materials, and workmanship meet with the M+ Architecture standards!
